JP2023009444A - Vehicular switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a switch device improved in designability or lighting variations in a simple configuration.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a vehicular switch device 20 comprising: a skin material 21 which includes a plurality of switch display parts 21S and a belt-like display part 21B extending continuously along an arrangement direction of a plurality of switches S and of which the surface is used as an operation face 21A of the switches S; and a switch member 31. The switch member 31 includes a detection section 45 for detecting a user's operation, and a light-emitting section 32 including a light source 33 and a planar light-emitting element 35. The planar light-emitting element 35 includes a plurality of switch irradiation parts P and a belt-like irradiation part PB. The light source 33 is provided at least in the plurality of switch irradiation parts P. The plurality of switch irradiation parts P is separated by light shield walls 54, and the belt-like irradiation part PB is continued integrally with the plurality of switch irradiation parts P.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a vehicle switch device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-200001 discloses an illuminated lamp switch device for a vehicle. This switch device incorporates one light source, and when it detects that a person has operated a plurality of switches provided on the operation surface, the light source is configured to turn on, turn off, or blink. there is The light source is common to multiple switches so that all of the multiple switches are illuminated in the same manner. Which switch is selected is distinguished by the illumination mode of the light source.

On the other hand, Patent Literature 2 below discloses a switch device that has a plurality of switches and is capable of individually lighting the switches by providing a light source in each room of an individually partitioned housing. .

By the way, in recent years, there has been an increasing need to improve the design of the interior of a vehicle, and a switch device with an excellent design is also required. Patent Literature 3 listed below discloses a switch device that illuminates a decorative panel for the interior of a vehicle from the back side with a light source and displays a predetermined pattern on the front side of the decorative panel. In this switch device, an electrode is arranged on the back side of the position where the pattern (switch) is displayed, and when the passenger touches the pattern, the vehicle-mounted device corresponding to the pattern is operated.

Japanese Patent No. 6079469 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-217906 JP 2006-321336 A

In order to further improve the designability of the switch device disclosed in Patent Document 3, there is a demand for a configuration that is rich in designability and variation in illumination changes during switch operation. Specifically, the selection switch (pattern) can be individually changed in color when the switch is operated, and in addition to the individual switches, there is a switch device that has a continuous design that can be illuminated to enhance the design. It has been demanded.

However, in order to individually change the color of a plurality of switches, as in Patent Document 2, individually partitioned spaces and light sources are required. Moreover, to achieve an illuminated continuous design, additional discrete spaces and light sources are required, complicating construction and increasing manufacturing costs.

An object of the technology disclosed in the present specification is to provide a switch device that has a simple configuration and is excellent in design and lighting variations.

The technology disclosed in the present specification is a switch device for a vehicle having a plurality of switches, a plurality of switch display units capable of displaying images of the plurality of switches, and switches in the vicinity of the plurality of switch display units. a strip-shaped portion display portion capable of displaying a strip-shaped portion continuously extending along the direction in which the plurality of switches are arranged, the skin material having a surface serving as an operation surface of the switches and transmitting light; and the skin material. and a switch member arranged on the back side of the surface material, wherein the switch member includes a detection unit that detects a user's operation on the operation surface, a plurality of light sources, and light from the light sources to guide the surface material a light-emitting portion having a plate-shaped light-emitting body that emits light toward the rear surface of the switch display portion; a belt-shaped portion illuminating portion located on the back side of the display portion, the light source being provided in each of at least the plurality of switch illuminating portions, and a light shielding wall having a light shielding property between the plurality of adjacent switch illuminating portions. , and the belt-shaped portion irradiation section is integrally connected to the plurality of switch irradiation sections.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to form the light-emitting portion of the continuous plate-shaped light-emitting body as the whole switch device while enabling the plurality of switches to be individually projected. Moreover, while forming the light-emitting portion with a continuous plate-like light-emitting body, along with the plurality of switches S, it is possible to simultaneously display the band-shaped portion extending continuously in the vicinity of the plurality of switches. In other words, it is possible to provide a switch device with a simple configuration and excellent design and lighting variations.

The plurality of light sources are arranged in a line at one end of the plate-shaped light emitter, the light shielding wall extends from the one end toward the other end of the plate-shaped light emitter, and The other end side of the plate-shaped light emitter may be the belt-shaped portion irradiation section where the light shielding wall is not provided.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a specific configuration in which a continuous plate-shaped light emitter forms a light-emitting section that can irradiate both the switch irradiation section and the strip-shaped section irradiation section.

The plate-shaped light emitter may have a cutout portion formed by cutting the corner portion on the opposite side of the skin material at the one end portion, and the light source may be arranged in the cutout portion.

According to the above configuration, the size of the switch device can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the light sources are arranged on the end face of the plate-shaped light emitter.

a display layer for displaying an image of the switch at a position corresponding to the detection part on the operation surface, the display layer having a light shielding part having a light shielding property on the skin material side of the plate-shaped light emitter; The skin material may have a recess recessed from the back surface toward the front surface, and at least a portion of the switch member may be fitted into the recess.

According to the above configuration, the distance from the display layer to the surface (operation surface) of the skin material can be shortened by providing the concave portion only in the portion where the switch member is provided while ensuring the necessary thickness of the entire skin material. . Therefore, the image of the switch projected on the operation surface becomes clearer compared to a configuration in which no concave portion is provided.

The detection unit detects a user's pressing operation on the operation surface, and the skin material includes a light-transmitting skin layer arranged on the front surface side and transmitting light, and a light-transmitting skin layer arranged on the back surface side. and a foam layer made of a foam material, and the recess may be formed by partially crushing the foam layer.

In the case where the detection unit detects a pressing operation, the skin material is composed of a light-transmitting skin layer and a foam layer, so that the user can obtain an operational feeling due to the elasticity of the foam layer. However, there is a concern that repeated pressing operations may cause the foam layer to deteriorate and lose its elasticity, and the operating surface may become partially depressed due to settling.

According to the above configuration, the foam layer in the portion corresponding to the detecting portion, which is likely to become flat due to repeated pressing operations, is preliminarily crushed to some extent to form the concave portion for fitting the above-described switch member. It is possible to suppress the deformation of the foam layer due to the pressing operation, thereby suppressing the settling of the foam layer at the relevant portion.

The display layer may be provided between the facing surface of the plate-shaped light emitter facing the skin material and the foam layer.

It is preferable to shorten the distance between the display layer and the operation surface in order to clarify the image of the switch projected on the surface (operation surface) of the skin material. Therefore, when the skin material is composed of a light-transmitting skin layer and a foam layer, the display layer is conventionally provided between the light-transmitting skin layer and the foam layer. However, in such a configuration, the display layer is placed inside the skin material and is difficult to see from the outside, making it difficult to align the display layer and the switch member. There is a risk that

In order to solve such a problem, according to the above structure, the distance between the operation surface and the plate-shaped light emitter is originally small by forming a recess in the skin material and inserting the switch member. Even when a display layer is provided between the foam layer and the facing surface of the plate-like light emitter, a clear image of the switch can be displayed on the operation surface. Moreover, in such a structure, since the display layer is provided outside the skin material, it is relatively easy to align the skin material and the switch member.

The light shielding part may be a printed layer printed on the facing surface of the plate-shaped light emitter.

According to the above configuration, the number of parts is reduced compared to a configuration in which the display layer is, for example, a stencil sheet.

The detection unit is a contact-type detection unit capable of detecting a pressing operation when a movable contact comes into contact with a fixed contact due to a user's pressing operation, and is located on the opposite side of the surface material of the plate-shaped light emitter. may be superimposed on the opposite side of the

According to the above configuration, the switch device can be manufactured at low cost compared to a configuration using a touch sensor, a human sensor, an electrostatic sensor, or the like as the detection unit. In addition, since the contact-type detection section can be provided at a position separate from the operation surface, the detection section does not interfere with projecting the image of the switch on the operation surface.

According to the technology disclosed in the present specification, it is possible to provide a switch device that has a simple configuration and is excellent in design and lighting variations.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the door trim on which the switch device of the first embodiment is installed, as viewed from the interior of the vehicle. Enlarged plan view of switch device II sectional view of FIG. Exploded perspective view of switch member Plan view of plate-shaped light emitter Top view of storage case Enlarged plan view of the switch device with one of the switches pressed FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the switch device of Embodiment 2; Plan view of plate-shaped light emitter Top view of storage case

<Embodiment 1>
Embodiment 1 for implementing the technique disclosed in this specification will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. In this embodiment, a switch device 20 (an example of a vehicle switch device) provided in a door trim 10 for a vehicle such as an automobile will be illustrated. Symbols F, Rr, IN, OUT, U, and D shown in each figure respectively indicate the front and rear of the vehicle traveling direction, the interior side (front side) and the exterior side (back side) of the vehicle width direction perpendicular to the vehicle traveling direction, Up and down in the vertical direction (vertical direction). However, the above direction is merely determined for convenience and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a door trim 10 adjacent to a driver's seat provided with a switch device 20 of the present embodiment, viewed from the inside of the passenger compartment. The door trim 10 constitutes a vehicle interior side portion of a vehicle door, and is attached to a door inner panel (not shown) from the vehicle interior side. The door trim 10 is mainly composed of a trim board 11 , a plurality of parts are assembled together, and the surface (surface inside the passenger compartment) is covered with a skin material 21 .

An armrest 12 used as an armrest for a passenger is formed in the center of the door trim 10 in the vertical direction so as to protrude into the vehicle interior. The upper surface of the armrest 12 is a horizontal portion 12A extending substantially horizontally. A switch device 20 of the present embodiment is installed slightly forward of the center of the horizontal portion 12A in the front-rear direction.

The switch device 20 is for presetting the front and rear positions, height and angle of the driver's seat, the angle of the seat back, etc., and for switching according to the occupant. A plurality of switches S for switching are arranged in the front-rear direction on the horizontal portion 12A. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the projected switch S. As shown in the figure, the switch device 20 of this embodiment can be set for three persons.

As shown in FIG. 3, the switch device 20 includes a skin material 21 and a switch member 31 arranged on the back surface side (lower side) of the skin material 21 . As described above, the skin material 21 covers the surface of the trim board 11 (armrest 12) and is made of a light transmissive material that transmits light.

The skin material 21 of the present embodiment includes a skin layer (an example of a light-transmitting skin layer) 22 arranged on the front side (assumed to be an operation surface 21A) and a foam layer 23 made of a foam material arranged on the back side. configured with. As the skin layer 22, a light-transmissive synthetic leather, a fabric such as a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, or a non-woven fabric, or the like can be used. The foam layer 23 is made of, for example, a urethane material, and has light transmittance and cushioning properties. The thickness dimension ratio between the skin layer 22 and the foam layer 23 is approximately 1:3.

A portion of the foam layer 23 on which a switch member 31, which will be described later, is arranged is provided with a concave portion 25 that is recessed from the back surface to the front surface side. The recess 25 has a depth of about 2/3 of the thickness dimension of the foam layer 23 and does not reach the skin layer 22 . A portion of the skin layer 22 corresponding to the concave portion 25 is in a flat state like its surroundings.

The concave portion 25 is formed by partially compressing the foam layer 23 from the back side. That is, in the foam layer 23, the thin portion 23A located between the recess 25 and the skin layer 22 has a higher foam density than the surrounding portion. As a result, the hardness of the portion where the recessed portion 25 is formed is higher than that of the portion other than the recessed portion 25 when pressed from the surface (operation surface 21A) of the skin material 21 .

A part of the switch member 31 is fitted in the concave portion 25 . The switch member 31 includes a light-emitting portion 32 and a detection portion 45 , and at least these are housed in a housing case 51 .

The light emitting unit 32 includes a plurality of LEDs 33 (an example of a light source), an LED substrate 34 on which the LEDs 33 are mounted, and a plate-like light emitter 35 . The plate-shaped light emitter 35 is made of a substantially transparent synthetic resin material (for example, acrylic resin such as PMMA, polycarbonate, etc.) whose refractive index is sufficiently higher than that of air, and has a substantially rectangular outer shape that is elongated in the vehicle front-rear direction in plan view. It has a plate shape (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 3, the plate-like light emitting body 35 has a cutout portion 36 formed by cutting the corner portion into an L-shaped cross section at one corner portion of the two long sides of the back surface. A plurality of LEDs 33 are arranged side by side in the portion 36 . That is, the plurality of LEDs 33 are arranged in a row in the vehicle front-rear direction along the long side of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 (see FIG. 4).

In this embodiment, as the LEDs 33, side-emission type tape LEDs that emit light from the side surface adjacent to the LED board 34 when mounted on the LED board 34 are employed. As shown in FIG. 3, the LED substrate 34 is arranged in the notch 36 so as to be parallel to the plate surface of the plate-shaped light emitter 35. The light is introduced into the light emitter 35, propagated inside the plate-shaped light emitter 35, raised toward the surface material 21, and emitted from the front surface (referred to as the facing surface 35A).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the light-emitting portion 32 is housed in a shallow dish-shaped housing case 51 that opens toward the skin material 21 . Specifically, the storage case 51 includes a rectangular bottom wall 52 slightly larger than the outer shape of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 and four side walls 53 rising from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall 52 . Hereinafter, the side wall 53 arranged forward is a front wall 53F, the side wall arranged rearward is a rear wall 53R, the side wall arranged inside the cabin is an inner wall 53I, and the side wall arranged outside the cabin is an outside wall 53O. , and the side wall 53 will be described as a case in which these are not distinguished. Of the four side walls, the inner wall 53I and the outer wall 53O are long side walls.

The inside of the housing case 51 is partially partitioned by three light shielding walls 54 . The light shielding wall 54 rises from the bottom wall 52 so as to extend from the outer wall 53O toward the inner wall 53I. In other words, the light shielding wall 54 extends in a direction perpendicular to (crossing) the outer wall 53O. One end side of the light shielding wall 54 is continuous with the outer wall 53O, and the other end side is arranged at a position separated from the inner wall 53I by a predetermined distance (see FIGS. 4 and 6). The height dimension of the light shielding wall 54 is the same as the height dimension of the side wall 53 .

The plurality of LEDs 33 described above are arranged in a row inside the storage case 51 along the outer wall 53O. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, these LEDs 33 are mounted two by two on one LED substrate 34, and the four LED substrates 34 are intermittently arranged along the outer wall 53O to form a line. are arranged side by side. Hereinafter, a set of two LEDs 33 and one LED board 34 will be denoted by L0, L1, L2, and L3 in order from the front side of the vehicle.

These sets are evenly spaced. Also, the dimension from the front end of L0 to the front wall 53F and from the rear end of L3 to the rear wall 53R is longer than the dimension between each set L0, L1, L2, L3. The three light shielding walls 54 described above are provided at positions that equally divide the adjacent sets L0, L1, L2, and L3.

A slit 55 is provided in the peripheral portion of the portion of the bottom wall 52 of the storage case 51 where the LED substrate 34 is arranged to allow a portion of the LED substrate 34 to escape below the storage case 51 (see FIG. 3).

A groove 37 for inserting the light shielding wall 54 is provided in a portion of the light emitting plate 35 described above that corresponds to the light shielding wall 54 when the plate light emitter 35 is housed in the housing case 51 . ing. That is, the groove portion 37 is formed by cutting out the plate-shaped light emitter 35 from the edge on the long side in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the long side. (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

A light shielding portion (an example of a display layer and a printing layer) 41 is formed on the facing surface 35A of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 . The light shielding portion 41 is a layer that partially shields light emitted from the plate-shaped light emitter 35 toward the skin material 21, and is provided by printing a black resin material on the facing surface 35A of the plate-shaped light emitter 35. It is

The light-shielding portion 41 is for creating an image of the switch S on the operation surface 21A of the skin material 21 and projecting a band-shaped portion B for enhancing the design. The plate-shaped light emitters 35 are opposed to each other so that the base portion of the portion B is a light-transmitting portion 42 that transmits light (the light-shielding portion 41 is not formed), and the other portions are the light-shielding portions 41 . A black resin material is printed on the surface 35A.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the light shielding portion 41 is formed from the end portion of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 on the outside of the passenger compartment to the end portion of the groove portion 37 on the inside of the passenger compartment. A region of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 on the interior side of the groove 37 is not formed with the light shielding portion 41 but is a light transmitting portion 42 . In addition, both ends of the light blocking portion 41 in the vehicle front-rear direction are inclined so as to spread toward the outside of the vehicle. The pattern (translucent portion 42 ) on which the above-described switch S is based is formed by hollowing out a part of the light shielding portion 41 .

With such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, on the surface of the horizontal portion 12A of the armrest 12 of the present embodiment (the operation surface 21A of the upholstery material 21), as shown in FIG. (S0) and four images of numbers I, II, and III (S1, S2, and S3) are displayed side by side in the front-rear direction (switch display section 21S). In addition, a belt-shaped portion B continuously extending along the direction in which the images of the switches S are arranged (the front-rear direction) is displayed at a position adjacent to the image of the four switches S on the interior side of the vehicle (a belt-shaped portion B). part display part 21B). In FIG. 2, for the sake of convenience, brightly illuminated portions are shown in black, and non-illuminated portions are shown in white. Both ends of the band-shaped portion B in the vehicle front-rear direction spread toward the outside of the passenger compartment, and the light on the both end sides of the band-shaped portion B gradually weakens in a gradation pattern.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the detector 45 is superimposed on the opposite surface 35B of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 on the side opposite to the skin material 21 . The detection unit 45 of the present embodiment can detect the pressing operation by the movable contact arranged above coming into contact with the fixed contact arranged below when the passenger presses the operation surface 21A. It is a contact-type film switch (an example of a contact-type detection unit). The detectors 45 are provided in portions corresponding to the switches S1, S2, and S3 (see FIGS. 4 and 6). Each detection unit 45 is connected to a door ECU (not shown), and changes the front and back position, height and angle of the driver's seat, the angle of the seat back, and the like in accordance with the passenger's switch pressing operation. be.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light emitting section 32 and the detecting section 45 are entirely housed in the housing case 51 described above. In these accommodated states, the facing surface 35A of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 and the upper end surfaces of the side wall 53 and the light shielding wall 54 of the accommodation case 51 are flush with each other. The storage case 51 (switch member 31) is attached in a state of protruding from the hole 13 formed in the horizontal portion 12A of the armrest 12 toward the upholstery 21 side, and the protruding portion of the housing 51 (switch member 31) is inserted into the recess 25 of the upholstery 21. is tightly fitted into the Around the hole 13 of the armrest 12, the upholstery material 21 is closely attached to the surface without any gap.

The configuration of the switch device 20 of this embodiment is as described above, and the operation of the switch device 20 will now be described. The switch device 20 is not displayed on the door trim 10 (horizontal portion 12A of the armrest 12) when the engine of the vehicle is turned off. It is projected at predetermined positions (the switch display portion 21S and the belt-like portion display portion 21B) on the upholstery material 21 (the horizontal portion 12A of the armrest 12).

Specifically, the light emitted from the LED 33 enters the plate-shaped light emitter 35 through the notch 36 of the plate-shaped light emitter 35, and is propagated inside the plate-shaped light emitter 35 toward the inner wall 53I side. At the same time, the light is raised so as to face the skin material 21 side, and is emitted from the surface on the front side (opposing surface 35A). At this time, since the light-shielding portion 41 is formed on the facing surface 35A of the plate-shaped light emitting body 35, only the light passing through the light-transmitting portion 42 out of the emitted light illuminates the skin material 21, and thus the skin material The switch S and strip B are projected on 21 .

FIG. 2 shows this situation. On the surface material 21, a seat icon S0 and three types of switches S1, S2, and S3 are displayed in a row. Of these, S0 is reflected by light emitted from a part (switch irradiation part P0) of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 based on the light emitted from the set L0 of the LED 33 and the LED board 34, and S1 is emitted from the set L1. Based on the emitted light, it is reflected by the light emitted from the other part (switch irradiation part P1) of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 . Similarly, S2 and S3 are projected by light emitted from other parts of the plate-like light emitters (other switch illumination parts P2 and P3) based on the light emitted from the sets L2 and L3.

As described above, each of the sets L0, L1, L2, and L3 is separated by the above-described light shielding wall 54, and each portion of the plate-like light emitter 35 separated by the light shielding wall 54 is covered by the skin material. 21, switch irradiation portions P0, P1, P2, and P3 are arranged to emit light toward a portion (switch display portion 21S) where the switch S is displayed.

In addition, since the switch irradiation portions P0, P1, P2, and P3 of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 are separated by the light shielding wall 54, each switch S changes the color of the corresponding LED 33 of the set L. By doing so, the colors can be changed individually.

On the other hand, the band-shaped portion B continuously extending in the front-rear direction on the interior side of the passenger compartment of the row of switches S is a band-shaped portion of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 arranged across the gap between the light shielding wall 54 and the inner wall 53I. It is projected by the light emitted from the partial irradiation portion PB (translucent portion 42). This band-shaped portion B is projected based on the light emitted from all of the sets L0, L1, L2, and L3 of the LEDs 33 and the LED substrates 34. As shown in FIG. That is, the portion of the strip B adjacent to the end portion of the light shielding wall 54 on the interior side of the vehicle is projected brightly by being emitted from the strip irradiation portion PB in a state in which the lights from the adjacent sets L are mixed with each other. As a result, the entire band-shaped portion B is continuous in the front-rear direction.

After the engine is started, when the occupant presses a switch S in which a preset seat state is registered, the detection unit 45 detects the pressing operation, and a signal is transmitted to the ECU to change the seat to a predetermined state. be done. Further, in this embodiment, the color of the pressed switch S (the color of the LED 33 corresponding to the pressed switch S) is changed as the passenger presses the switch.

For example, when the passenger presses the switch S1, the color of the switch S1 is changed to a color different from that of the other switches S, as shown in FIG. In addition, the color of the portion of the belt-like portion B corresponding to the switch S1 is changed along with the change of the color of the switch S1. Such a partial color change of the strip B does not mean that there is a sharp boundary between the switch S1 and the parts of the strip B corresponding to the adjacent switches S0 and S2. It is a continuous change that mixes with the color, and it is excellent in design. Further, by providing such a band-shaped portion B, it is easy to visually recognize whether or not the switch operation is correctly detected by the switch device 20 .

Next, functions and effects will be described. The switch device 20 of this embodiment includes a plurality of switch display portions 21S capable of displaying an image of each of the plurality of switches S, and a switch display portion 21S in the vicinity of the plurality of switch display portions 21S along the direction in which the plurality of switches S are arranged (front-rear direction). a belt-shaped portion display portion 21B capable of displaying an image of the belt-shaped portion B extending continuously through the rim, the surface of which is an operation surface 21A of the switch S and which transmits light; The switch member 31 includes a detection unit 45 that detects an operation on the operation surface 21A by the occupant, a plurality of LEDs 33, and the light from the LEDs 33 to be guided to the back surface of the skin material 21. and a light-emitting portion 32 having one plate-shaped light-emitting body 35 that emits light toward the switch display portion 21S. , P2, P3, and a belt-shaped portion irradiation portion PB located on the back side of the belt-shaped portion display portion 21B. The matching switch illuminating portions P0, P1, P2, and P3 are separated by a light shielding wall 54 having a light shielding property, and the belt-shaped portion illuminating portion PB is integrally connected with the plurality of switch illuminating portions P0, P1, P2, and P3.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to form the light-emitting portion 32 with one plate-shaped light-emitting body 35 as the switch device 20 as a whole while allowing the plurality of switches S0, S1, S2, and S3 to be displayed individually. . Moreover, while forming the light-emitting portion 32 with one plate-like light-emitting body 35, it extends continuously in the vicinity of the plurality of switches S0, S1, S2, and S3 along with the plurality of switches S0, S1, S2, and S3. The strip B can also be displayed at the same time. In other words, it is possible to provide the switching device 20 with a simple configuration and excellent design and lighting variations.

The plurality of LEDs 33 are arranged in a line at one end of the plate-shaped light emitter 35, and the light shielding wall 54 extends from one end of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 toward the other end. The other end side of the shaped light emitter 35 serves as a belt-shaped portion irradiation portion PB in which the light shielding wall 54 is not provided.

With such a configuration, a specific configuration is realized in which a single plate-shaped light emitter 35 forms the light-emitting section 32 capable of irradiating both of the plurality of switch irradiation sections P0, P1, P2, and P3 and the band-shaped section irradiation section PB. It is possible.

In addition, the plate-shaped light emitter 35 has a notch portion 36 formed by notching the corner portion on the opposite side of the skin material 21 at one end portion, and the LED 33 is arranged in the notch portion 36 .

According to the above configuration, the switch device 20 can be made smaller than the configuration in which the LEDs 33 are arranged on the end face of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 .

A display layer for displaying the switch S is provided at a position corresponding to the detection unit 45 on the operation surface 21A, and has a light shielding part 41 having a light shielding property on the skin material 21 side from the plate-shaped light emitter 35. 21 has a recessed portion 25 that is recessed from the back surface toward the front surface (operation surface 21A) side, and a part of the switch member 31 is fitted in the recessed portion 25 .

According to the above configuration, while ensuring the necessary thickness of the skin material 21 as a whole, by providing the concave portion 25 only in the portion where the switch member 31 (light emitting part 32) is provided, the surface material 21 is separated from the display layer (light shielding part 41). The distance to the surface (operation surface 21A) can be shortened. Therefore, the switch S and the band-shaped portion B displayed on the operation surface 21A are clearly visible as compared with a configuration in which the concave portion 25 is not provided.

The detection unit 45 detects a pressing operation of the occupant on the operation surface 21A. The recesses 25 are formed by partially crushing the foam layer 23 .

When the detection unit 45 detects a pressing operation, the skin material 21 is composed of the skin layer 22 and the foam layer 23 , so that the occupant can feel the operation due to the elasticity of the foam layer 23 . However, there is concern that repeated pressing operations may cause the foam layer 23 to deteriorate and lose its elasticity, and the operating surface 21A to become partially depressed due to settling.

According to the above configuration, the recessed portion 25 for fitting the switch member 31 is formed by partially crushing the foam layer 23 in the portion corresponding to the detecting portion 45, which is likely to become flat due to repeated pressing operations. By doing so, it is possible to suppress deformation of the foam layer 23 due to the pressing operation, thereby suppressing the sagging of the foam layer 23 at that portion.

The display layer (light shielding portion 41 ) is provided between the foam layer 23 and the facing surface 35</b>A of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 facing the skin material 21 .

In order to clarify the switches S projected on the surface of the skin material 21 (operation surface 21A), it is preferable to shorten the distance between the display layer (light shielding portion 41) and the operation surface 21A. Therefore, when the skin material 21 is composed of the skin layer 22 and the foam layer 23 , the display layer (light shielding portion 41 ) is conventionally provided between the skin layer 22 and the foam layer 23 . However, in such a configuration, the display layer (light shielding portion 41) is disposed inside the skin material 21 and is difficult to see from the outside. is difficult, and there is a possibility that a display defect may be caused by the positional deviation.

In order to solve such a problem, according to the above configuration, the recess 25 is formed in the skin material 21 and the switch member 31 is fitted therein, so that the distance between the operation surface 21A and the plate-like light emitter 35 is originally small. Therefore, even when the display layer (light shielding portion 41) is provided between the foam layer 23 and the facing surface 35A of the plate-shaped light emitter 35, a clear image of the switch S can be displayed on the operation surface 21A. can. Further, in such a configuration, since the display layer (light shielding portion 41) is provided outside the skin material 21, alignment of the skin material 21 and the switch member 31 is relatively easy.

The light shielding portion 41 is a printed layer printed on the facing surface 35A of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 . According to such a configuration, the number of parts is reduced compared to a configuration in which the display layer (light shielding portion 41) is, for example, a stencil sheet.

The detection unit 45 is a contact-type detection unit that can detect a pressing operation when a movable contact comes into contact with a fixed contact due to a pressing operation by the passenger, and is located on the opposite side of the skin material 21 of the plate-shaped light emitter 35 . It is superimposed on the opposite surface 35B.

According to the above configuration, the switch device 20 can be manufactured at low cost compared to a configuration using a touch sensor, a human sensor, an electrostatic sensor, or the like as the detection unit 45 . Moreover, since the contact-type detection section can be provided at a position separated from the operation surface 21A, the detection section 45 does not hinder the display of the switch S on the operation surface 21A.

<Embodiment 2>
A switch device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG. In the above-described first embodiment, the form in which the strip-shaped portion B is projected on the interior side of the plurality of switches S is shown. 2, a second band-shaped portion B2 similar to the band-shaped portion B described above is also projected on the outside of the passenger compartment. Hereinafter, the belt-like portion on the interior side of the row of switches S will be referred to as a first belt-like portion B1, and the belt-like portion on the exterior side of the vehicle will be described as a second belt-like portion B2. Further, descriptions of the same configurations as in the first embodiment are omitted, and reference numerals obtained by adding 100 to the reference numerals of the first embodiment are used.

The plate-shaped light emitter 135 of the present embodiment has a rectangular plate shape elongated in the front-rear direction of the vehicle in plan view, as in the first embodiment. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the groove portion 137 provided in the plate-shaped light emitter 135 is provided in the central portion of the plate-shaped light emitter 135 in the width direction (inward and outward directions of the vehicle). Specifically, it extends in a direction intersecting (perpendicular to) the two long sides of the plate-shaped light emitter 135 at positions that are the same distance from each other. In addition, in the same figure, the light shielding part is omitted for convenience.

On the other hand, the inside of the storage case 151 is partially partitioned by three light shielding walls 154 as shown in FIG. The light shielding wall 154 rises from the central portion of the bottom wall 152 in the width direction. That is, both ends of the light shielding wall 154 are arranged at positions separated from the outer wall 153O and the inner wall 153I by the same dimension. The light shielding wall 154 extends in a direction perpendicular to (crossing) the outer wall 153O and the inner wall 153I. The light shielding wall 154 is inserted into the groove 137 to partially divide the plate-shaped light emitter 135 .

Hereinafter, when distinguishing the three light shielding walls 154, they will be described as a first light shielding wall 1540, a second light shielding wall 1542, and a third light shielding wall 1543 in order from the front side of the vehicle.

An LED 133 is attached to the base end of the light shielding wall 154 . The LED 133 of this embodiment employs a top emission type LED that emits light from the top surface opposite to the LED substrate 134 when mounted on the LED substrate 134 . A box-shaped notch 136 is provided on the back side of the above-described plate-shaped light emitter 135 so as to connect with the groove 137 and accommodate the LED 133 and the LED substrate 134 inside (see FIG. 9).

The LED substrate 134 is arranged in the notch 136 so as to be parallel to the surface of the light shielding wall 154, as indicated by the imaginary line (broken line) in FIG. The LED 133 is arranged at the base end of each of the front and rear surfaces of the first light shielding wall 1541 , the rear surface of the second light shielding wall 1542 , and the rear surface of the third light shielding wall 1543 . Hereinafter, when distinguishing the LEDs provided at the base ends of the light shielding walls 154, they are referred to as the 0th LED 1330, the 1st LED 1331, the 2nd LED 1332, and the 3rd LED 1333 in order from the front of the vehicle.

The light emitted from each LED 133 is introduced into the plate-shaped light emitter 135 through the notch 136, propagates inside the plate-shaped light emitter 135, and rises toward the surface material side to reach the front surface ( It is emitted from the facing surface 135A). Since a light shielding portion (not shown) is formed on the facing surface 135A of the plate-shaped light emitter 135, only the light passing through the light transmitting portion of the emitted light illuminates the skin material, and as shown in FIG. The switch S and the belt-like portion B are projected on the skin material (operation surface 21A).

Specifically, the sheet icon S0 is displayed based on the light emitted from the 0th LED 1330 , and the switch S1 is displayed based on the light emitted from the first LED 1331 . Similarly, switch S2 and switch S3 are projected based on the light emitted from 2nd LED1332 and 3rd LED1333, respectively.

In this way, the switch irradiation portions P0, P1, P2, and P3, which are the portions of the plate-shaped light emitter 135 that project the switches S, are divided by the light shielding wall 154, so that each switch S is illuminated by the LED 133 corresponding to each switch S. By changing the color of , the color can be changed individually.

On the other hand, the band-shaped portions B1 and B2 extending continuously in the front-rear direction inside and outside the vehicle interior of the row of switches S are plates arranged across the gaps between the light-shielding wall 154 and the inner wall 153I and the outer wall 153O. It is projected by the light emitted from the belt-shaped portion irradiation portion PB of the light-emitting body 135 . These band-shaped portions B1 and B2 are projected based on the light emitted from all the LEDs 133 . That is, the portions of the belt-shaped portions B1 and B2 adjacent to both ends of the light shielding wall 154 are projected brightly by being emitted from the belt-shaped portion irradiation portion PB in a state in which the lights from the adjacent LEDs 133 are mixed with each other. As a result, the strip portions B1 and B2 as a whole are continuous in the front-rear direction.

With the switch device 120 of the second embodiment as described above, the plurality of switches S0, S1, S2, and S3 can be individually illuminated, and the switch device 120 as a whole can emit light from a single plate-like light emitter 135. A portion 132 can be formed. Moreover, while forming the light-emitting portion 132 with one plate-shaped light-emitting body 135, it extends continuously near the plurality of switches S0, S1, S2, and S3 along with the plurality of switches S0, S1, S2, and S3. Strips B1 and B2 can also be displayed at the same time. In other words, it is possible to provide the switch device 120 with a simple configuration and excellent design and lighting variations.

<Other embodiments>
The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the embodiments described in the above description and drawings, and includes the following embodiments, for example.

(1) In the above embodiments, the switch devices 20 and 120 for changing the settings of the driver's seat according to the occupants were exemplified, but the application of the switch devices is not limited to this. Also, the position where the switch device is installed is not limited to the door trim 10 adjacent to the driver's seat, and may be installed in the vehicle such as next to the front passenger seat. Furthermore, the switch device is not limited to vehicles, but can be applied to various vehicles.

(2) In the first embodiment, the plurality of LEDs 33 are arranged in the notch 36 of the plate-shaped light emitter 35, but the plurality of LEDs are arranged so as to face the end face of the plate-shaped light emitter. may

(3) In the above embodiment, the LEDs 33 are provided only in the plurality of switch irradiation portions P0, P1, P2, and P3. .

(4) In Embodiment 1, the portion of the switch member 31 disposed on the opposite side of the skin material 21 projects from the recess 25. , a configuration in which no recess is provided is also included in the technical scope.

(5) The display layer is not limited to the printed layer, and may be a stencil sheet having a light-transmitting portion and a light-shielding portion.

(6) The display layer may be provided between the skin layer 22 and the foam layer 23 .

(7) The detection unit 45 is not limited to a detection unit that detects a pressing operation, and may be a human sensor, an electrostatic sensor, a touch sensor, or the like that can detect a user's approach operation or contact operation with respect to the operation surface, for example. can also In such a case, the detection section is provided not on the opposite side of the light emitting section but on the skin material side of the light emitting section.

(8) In the above embodiment, the skin material 21 has a two-layer structure of the skin layer 22 and the foam layer 23. If not, the skin material may be of a single-layer structure.

(9) Even if the skin material 21 has a two-layer structure of the skin layer 22 and the foam layer 23, the recesses 25 are not formed by crushing the foam layer 23, but by cutting a part of the foam layer. It may be formed by lacking.

(10) In the above-described embodiment, the plate-shaped light emitters 35 and 135 of the light-emitting units 32 and 132 are composed of one piece, but the plate-shaped light emitters constitute a band-shaped irradiation unit, for example, like a jigsaw puzzle. A plurality of plate-shaped light emitters constituting the switch irradiation section can be connected together by bringing one plate-shaped light emitter into contact with the plate-shaped light emitters.

10: Door trim, 12: Armrest, 20, 120: Switch device (vehicle switch device), 21: Skin material, 21A: Operation surface, 21B: Strip display part, 21S: Switch display part, 22: Skin layer (light transparent skin layer), 23: foam layer, 25: concave portion, 31: switch member, 32, 132: light-emitting portion, 33, 133: LED (light source), 35, 135: plate-shaped light emitter, 35A, 135A: facing surface , 35B: opposite surface, 36, 136: notch, 37, 137: groove, 41: light shielding portion (display layer and printing layer), 42: light transmitting portion, 45: detection portion 51, 151: housing case, 54, 154: light shielding wall, B, B1, B2: belt-shaped part, P0, P1, P2, P3: switch irradiation part, PB: belt-shaped irradiation part, S, S0, S1, S2, S3: switch

Claims (8)

A vehicle switch device having a plurality of switches,
a plurality of switch display portions capable of displaying an image of each of the plurality of switches; and a strip portion display capable of displaying a strip portion extending continuously in the vicinity of the plurality of switch display portions along the direction in which the plurality of switches are arranged. a light-transmitting skin material having a surface serving as an operation surface of the switch, and
A switch member arranged on the back side of the skin material,
The switch member is
a detection unit that detects a user's operation on the operation surface;
a light emitting unit having a plurality of light sources and a plate-shaped light emitting body that guides light from the light sources and emits the light toward the back surface of the skin material;
The plate-shaped light emitter includes a plurality of switch irradiation units located on the back side of each of the switch display units, and a strip-shaped unit irradiation unit located on the back surface side of the strip-shaped unit display unit. The light source is provided in each of the plurality of adjacent switch illuminating portions, and the plurality of adjacent switch illuminating portions are divided by a light shielding wall having a light shielding property, and the belt-shaped portion illuminating portion is integrally connected to the plurality of switch illuminating portions. , vehicle switch devices. The plurality of light sources are arranged in a row at one end of the plate-shaped light emitter,
The light shielding wall extends from the one end toward the other end of the plate-shaped light emitter,
2. The switch device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the other end of the plate-shaped light emitter is the belt-shaped portion irradiation section where the light shielding wall is not provided. 3. The light source according to claim 2, wherein the plate-shaped light emitter has a cutout portion formed by cutting the corner portion on the opposite side of the skin material at the one end portion, and the light source is arranged in the cutout portion. Vehicle switch device. a display layer for displaying an image of the switch at a position corresponding to the detection unit on the operation surface, the display layer having a light shielding portion having a light shielding property on the skin material side of the plate-shaped light emitter;
The skin material has a concave portion recessed from the back surface toward the front surface,
4. The vehicle switch device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said switch member is fitted in said recess. The detection unit detects a user's pressing operation on the operation surface,
The skin material includes a light-transmitting skin layer arranged on the front surface side and transmitting light, and a foam layer made of a foam material arranged on the back surface side,
5. The vehicle switch device according to claim 4, wherein the recess is formed by partially crushing the foam layer. 6. The switch device for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the display layer is provided between the facing surface of the plate-shaped light emitter facing the skin material and the foam layer. 7. The vehicle switch device according to claim 6, wherein the light shielding portion is a printed layer printed on the facing surface of the plate-shaped light emitter. The detection unit is a contact-type detection unit capable of detecting a pressing operation when a movable contact comes into contact with a fixed contact due to a user's pressing operation, and is located on the opposite side of the surface material of the plate-shaped light emitter. 8. The vehicle switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, superimposed on the opposite side of the .

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